Unanimous Vote for Harm Reduction Measures

The House of Representatives has unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Department of Health to promote harm reduction measures as part of its National Tobacco Control Strategy, especially the use of electronic cigarettes or vapes as a less harmful alternative for smokers.

The resolution, which was co-authored by Rep. Anthony Bravo and Rep. Jose Tejada, cited the World Health Organization’s observation that in the UK, where strict tobacco control measures are in place and electronic nicotine delivery systems (which include e-cigarettes) are becoming more popular, smoking prevalence, cigarette consumption and overall nicotine use appear to be gradually decreasing.

It also highlighted the recommendation of Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos, a leading researcher and expert on tobacco harm reduction and e-cigarettes, urging the Philippine government to create a regulatory framework for e-cigarettes that is reasonable, proportionate, and realistic.